“Hardwired…to Self-Destruct” by Metallica

Released: Nov. 18

Genre: Metal

Rating: A

Metallica has finally released their latest music since their last album, “Death Magnetic,” in 2008. Metallica had to live up to the expectations the group has set over the last few decades. This two-disc special features 12 fast-paced, intense songs that metal-heads have craved. “Hardwired” begins with strong and fast guitar riffs by legendary Kirk Hammett that lead into James Hetfield’s screaming vocals to round out the classic Metallica sound. This song alone will leave any metal fan super hyped for the next 11 songs. The unusual part of this album is it’s the first Metallica album to not feature songs written by Hetfield, which may change fans’ perspectives. A majority of them are used to hearing his thoughts and perspectives, but now primarily drummer Lars Ulrich writes the songs. Even with the writing change, the album sounds similar to other Metallica hits. The forceful “Moth Into Flame” and bluesy-rock “Am I Savage?” pay homage to their earlier releases and the band even agrees, stating that this album seems like a continuation of “Death Magnetic.”

Download: “Hardwired”

“Prayers for the Blessed: by Sixx:A.M.

Released: Nov. 18

Genre: Metal

Rating: D-

With Mötley Crüe coming to an end of their 34-year long career, Nikki Sixx started a new band, Sixx:A.M. Although the band has been in the works since 2007, Sixx is officially able to dedicate more time to the band and release a new album. “We will not be damned!” chants the band at the beginning of “Barbarians (Prayers for the Blessed).” The song, although good, sounds like any basic rock song — a problem with a majority of rock bands since the early 2000s is many of them strive to sound the same. They all want that punchy, in-your-face rock style, but then all the songs start to blend together and listeners can’t decipher which song is from which artist.  “Maybe It’s Time” is like a bad power ballad from the 90s, or like something Chris Daughtry would sing. Either way, it’s pretty boring. Although Sixx seems like a really rad guy from his radio talk show “Sixx Sense,” and he probably had good intentions with Sixx:A.M., the band is ultimately kind of a drag on this album.

Download: “Barbarians (Prayers for the Blessed)”